Design showcase: Top five uses of concrete

Celebrating that most maligned of building materials, our new TOPHOTELDESIGN exclusive considers five hotels that successfully incorporate attention-grabbing concrete features.

‘Concrete’, from the Latin word ‘concretus’, meaning compact or condensed, is one of the most frequently used materials in construction. It surrounds us more than steel, wood, plastics and aluminum combined. In other words, it’s everywhere.

Cool examples of concrete

We see it at all times (all of the time), but we don’t actually look at it. We’re so used to the material that it’s unusual to stop and think ‘hey, that’s a cool looking piece of concrete’.

However, today we bring to you five projects that incorporate it exceptionally into the design. With great artistry, originality and a desire to escape the norm, these range from sculptural concrete pieces that emerge from the wall itself and walls that seamlessly blend with the ground to massive concrete helical staircases.

Alila Yangshuo

Guilin, China
by Vector Architects and Horizontal Design – Shenzhen

Jam Hotel

Brussels
by Olivia Gustot Architectes and Lionel Jadot

The Line Austin

Austin
by Michael Hsu Office Of Architecture and Knibb Design

Fenix Furano

Furano, Japan
by ALT-254

Imagery: © Aaron Jamieson

Ekies All Senses Resort

Vourvourou, Greece
by Agarch+ Architects

Click here to find more inspiring uses of concrete on TOPHOTELDESIGN.

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